Heath Ledger, a film legend, was reportedly found nude, and nearly dead by his housekeeper Theresa Solomon, and masseuse Diane Lee at 3.20pm local time. Apparantly Solomon had used Ledger's speed dial and rung up Mary-Kate Olsen, a friend of Ledger's, and asked what to do. Mary-Kate said she'd call some security people to come to Heath's place, when the maid realized that Heath was in a serious condition, she reportedly called Mary-Kate back and said she was going to call 911.
Ledger was unconscious in his New York apartment in the SoHo District, late Tuesday afternoon, January 22, 2008, at that time, there were unconfirmed reports as to the cause of his sudden death, which was pronounced at 3:35pm.
Reports say he died prior to his body being removed from his $23,000 a month New York apartment, and foul play has been ruled out. It is suspected that an accidental overdose of pills could be the culprit, but the buzz that pills lay tossed on his bedside has been reputed.
It has been confirmed that Heath was suffering from a bout of pneumonia, and was suffering from a cardiac arrest as the paramedics arrived, with them unable to revive him. An accidental mix of medications could be the cause of the cardiac arrest, and his family has stated that suicide is ruled out. Preliminary reports of the autopsy are inconclusive, and indepth testing is being done, the results are expected in about ten days.
His family, father Kim his mother Sally, and sister Kate of Perth Australia, have released a public statment being read by his father Kim, describing his son as, "down-to-earth, generous, kindhearted, and life-loving". Heath's father referred to him as a doting father to Matilda, and Heath's father also stated that, "Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his life, but few have had the pleasure of truly knowing him." In closing he added. "Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."
What a sad day for his family and friends, and especially for his little girl Matilda who is two years old, (and mother of his child, Michelle Williams who he just split with last year), and thousands of fans are offering them their prayers and hearts. Michelle reportedly was filming the movie Mammoth, in Nordic County, in Sweden during the time she heard of Heath's death, and devasted, has dropped everything, and is on route to New York with their daughter. The two, who split up last September, had hooked up during the filming of Brokeback Mountain back in 2005.
Heathcliff Andrew Ledger, his parents named him after Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, was born on April 04, 1979 in Perth, Australia, launching his acting career being cast on an Australian Soapy, Home and Away, playing a surfer named Scott Irwin, then making his way into Hollywood travelling thousands of miles over seas to pursue his dream of becoming a film actor.
Actress Naomi Watts, a past love of Heath between 2002-2004 reportedly collapsed in tears at the Sundance Film Festival when she heard of Heath's sudden death.
Stars such as Nicole Kidman, who is in Australia filming, and busy with her baby bump with husband Keith Urban, said, "What a tragedy," Nicole expressed her shock to the news of his sudden death, stating to Celebrity News Show Extra, Nicole's heart goes out to his family and friends.
Super Star Actor/Director Mel Gibson who gave Heath a great start in his career, casting him as his oldest son back in 2001, The Patriot, publicly said in a statement, "I had such great hope for him," Mel also said in the statement. "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss." Mel's thoughts and prayers are with Heath and his family.
Actor John Travolta, currently in Australia attending a benefit dinner had expressed that Heath was "one of my favourite actors. His abilities are rare ... it's a tremendous loss," Travolta told Extra. "It's hard to be here celebrating Australia Day under these circumstances." (Being in Heath's home country, getting a feel of Aussie hospitality, and the roots to where Heath came from, it must be John.)
It no doubt will take the world a long time to realize that Heath's no longer with us, his newest role in the Batman Sega's is scheduled to come out, and WB studios has made a sincere public statment. "The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news," Warner Brothers chief Alan Horn and Warner Brothers Picture Group president Jeff Robinov stated. "The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."
Heath Ledger, known for outstanding performances in films such as The Patriot, in 2000, alongside Mel Gibson, and Brother's Grim, 2005, and A Knights Tale, 2005, will also be remember for his role in Brokeback Mountain, 2005. Heath was nominated for an Oscar, with 13 wins, with a total of 28 nominations. He made about 40 mixed films, episodes and appearances.
The Dark Night, coming out in 2008 will be Heath's final performance, filling the shoes of Jack Nicholson's character of the Joker, brought along a fair amount of controversy over whether Heath could pull it off, and reports say, Heath did a tremendous job. All who go see it no doubt will all feel the excitement mixed with grief, as Heath's finally will leave us all, and the realization of his passing will no doubt start to sink in as the film gears down to the final cut. Perhaps appropriately, and quite metaphorically the release of the film, could be a way for Heath to say good-bye to his beloved fans, and it may be a way for the fans to say a final good-bye to an extraordinary actor. Heath lived well, and we will remember him with warmth and respect. Heath's newest venture in the film entitled, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus which was scheduled for 2009, sadly his magic will never make it to that film.
Heath you will be sadly missed by all, my heart goes out to you, your daughter Matilda, close family, and your friends.
Written by: Sacreeta
